food
Healthy Froyo Recipe: Homemade Frozen Yogurt
I can still remember the very first time I experienced the magic of frozen yogurt. It was just a few years ago when I first got lost in the abyss of unlimited flavors, mixings, and toppings. Whoever thought of taking yogurt, freezing it, and adding different flavors to make it taste like ice cream is a complete genius. I was in love with this new “healthy” dessert and have been hooked ever since!
It wasn't until I got to college that realized that my $3 cup of froyo loaded up with chocolate and different candy toppings was not the healthiest or the most cost-effective habit. With my wallet getting smaller and my waistline getting bigger, I realized there were some changes I needed to make.
During the summer after my freshman year of college, it was my mom who helped me solve my froyo dilemma when she introduced me to the delicious easiness of homemade frozen yogurt. Not only was her recipe more cost effective then spending $3 at the local froyo joint, it is also extremely easy to make. And the best part about it is that you get to control what goes into. Using plain nonfat Greek yogurt, some fresh fruit, and a little added sugar, this recipe is loaded with protein, vitamins and bone-building calcium that will satisfy your sweet tooth without hurting your wallet, or your waistline.
FROYO: Frozen Greek Yogurt with Berries
Servings: About 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla or plain Greek Yogurt (I use Fage Total 0%)
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (I like to use either blackberries or strawberries)
- Tip: Make sure whatever topping you are using (especially if it is fruit) is frozen beforehand. This will reduce the amount of excess water and improve the consistency.
Preparation
- Use a sieve or cheesecloth to strain the yogurt as well as possible. You want to remove as much liquid as possible to prevent it from getting rock hard when you freeze it. (You definitely want to do this if you are using regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is already strained, but you want to do this step anyways to get the best possible result.)
- Mix the honey and frozen berries in with the strained yogurt. It is best to do this with a food processor, a blender, or anything of that sort. And make sure to do it fast, before any of the frozen ingredients start to soften too much.
- Put the mixture into the freezer for anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on what consistency you want it. The key here is to make sure you check and stir it at least every hour, if not more. This will prevent it from getting too hard or icy.
Tip: I have found that it is best if you eat it within the same day. If you leave it in the freezer overnight thaw it for an hour or two to reach the appropriate consistency.
What are your favorite ingredients to add to froyo?
Many thanks to Jocelyn Fry, our nutrition intern at Dairy Council of California, for writing this recipe post. We wish her much luck this year as she completes her dietetic internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Trina Robertson, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. As a HealthyEating.org Mom she shares her positive approach to healthy eating with the goal of inspiring others to prepare and enjoy foods from all the food groups. As a Project Manager with the Dairy Council of California, Trina develops, evaluates and promotes nutrition education materials for students and adults. At home she enjoys cooking and sharing meals with her family. Her most rewarding accomplishment is that her boys are good eaters and are learning to cook. Follow Trina on Twitter @TrinaR_RD and find more Healthy Eating ideas on Facebook.
Trina Robertson
Latest posts by Trina Robertson (see all)
- Sweet Treat: Strawberry Club Sandwiches - August 1, 2023
- Recipe: Spinach, Strawberry, and Walnut Salad - May 8, 2023
- Recipe: Peaches with Kale Salad - August 10, 2019
